To help combat engine overheating issues many loggers battle against – particularly those working in hardwood and other applications that put more stress on the machine, especially in the hot summer months – Barko equips each of its harvesters with a heavy-duty, extreme cooling package, along with a 36-inch-diameter Flexxaire auto-reversing fan that includes automatic temperature control. An optional Proheat system can also be added to warm the engine, fuel tank and hydraulics in the winter.

By delivering exceptional horsepower in a relatively compact package, combined with an engineered design that maximizes the machine’s abilities for harvesting and feller bunching, Barko has truly created a monster – an economical machine that boasts incredible performance characteristics. Each unit features a heavy-duty, oversized swing bearing, while dual swing motors provide continuous rotation and high swing torque of 50,787 foot-pounds.

The 240B’s D5 undercarriage provides high ground clearance of 26.2 inches and a compact track width (9 feet, 4 inches) and length (13 feet, 1 inch). Ground pressure is 7.63 psi with 600-millimeter width shoes and 6.54 psi with 700-millimeter shoes. Maximum travel speed is 2.47 mph. Customers working in select cuts have reported being able to maneuver easily without tearing up trees and residuals.

Barko’s 260B is a wider machine with a D7A undercarriage that offers 29 inches of ground clearance. Despite weighing an additional 6,000 pounds, the machine nearly matches the 240B with 65,481 foot-pounds of tractive effort, and boasts an excellent 1.13 to 1 drawbar pull ratio.

This control system is specifically designed for Barko, featuring hydraulics tailored for both fixed and dangle head harvesters, and feller buncher applications. Completely customized within Barko’s rigorous quality standards, IQAN provides infinite variable control for the hydraulic system. This even includes programmable settings for different operators who take turns using the machine. The IQAN control system is also integrated with the harvesting or felling bunching head, working in conjunction with the attachment to provide optimal performance on the job.

Barko offers its own CF18 single grip fixed harvesting head, manufactured by J.P. Skidmore, the former owners of FabTek. The head’s patent-pending design includes 360-degree continuous rotation with center hose routing. Customers have reported tremendous productivity results with the CF18 in both hardwood and soft wood applications. Users have also cited the unit’s ease of maintenance due to a simple design with fewer moving parts. Barko has also launched the CF22, a 22-inch fixed harvesting head for fast and efficient cutting and delimbing.

For dangle head applications, the Barko 240B is offered with LogMax harvesting heads. LogMax and South Star dangle heads are available for the 260B.

For feller buncher applications, Barko offers various Quadco heads, including a new 20-inch hot saw optimized specifically for the Barko 240B.

Exceptional visibility is provided by a top window and a good view out the right side of the cab, where many competitors have a blind spot. Users can enhance visibility further by adding an optional rearview camera with a 7-inch LED color display.

Concerns about debris obstructing the view are swatted away by an air knife system that keeps the front and skylight windows clear. A 1 1/4-inch thick polycarbonate window is standard on all machines to provide added protection in the event of debris striking the windows. Other standard cab features include a large access door, exterior LED lighting, sliding rear window, heated air-ride seat, and AM/FM radio with MP3 auxiliary input.

On top of providing direct access to the engine and components, the large gull wing door also serves as a convenient working platform that spans the full length of the machine.

IQAN controls provide machine diagnostics and straightforward troubleshooting. A hydraulic tank vacuum pump and electric fill pump are now standard. Exclusive to the industry, an on-board air compressor provides immediate work tool capability. Furthermore, the machine is designed with built-in tool storage areas under the cab and within the car body.